M&S strengthens leadership naming former Asda CEO as Non-Executive Director
Marks & Spencer has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Roger Burnley CBE, the former Asda CEO, as a Non-Executive Director effective 1 December 2025.
Burnley, who also served as COO at Asda and Retail & Operations Director at Sainsbury’s, brings deep expertise in UK grocery and retail operations, as well as supply chain transformation. He currently sits on the board of Pets at Home Group plc as a Non-Executive Director.
M&S Chairman, Archie Norman, said: "Roger brings extensive experience in the food retail industry and supply chain transformation, which will be invaluable as we enter the next phase of our plan to reshape M&S for growth. He is a strong addition to the team and I am delighted to welcome him to the Board."
Burnley will also join the Audit & Risk and Nomination Committees upon his appointment.
Burnley added: "M&S is a much-loved brand which I have always admired as setting the standard in UK retail, and it is a privilege to be joining such an engaged Board.
"Much progress has been made through the Reshaping for Growth strategy, but there remains so much opportunity, and I am looking forward to supporting the leadership team to capitalise on that in the years ahead."
The move follows a series of leadership changes as the retail giant enters its next phase of growth. Earlier this month, the retailer named Paula Bricks, formerly Store Experience Director at COS, as its new Fashion, Home & Beauty Retail Director, effective November 2025. Bricks, who spent nearly two decades at COS and a further eight years at H&M, is known for transforming store experience and integrating brand identity with operational excellence at scale.
Meanwhile, Chairman Archie Norman has also extended his tenure beyond the standard nine-year term under the UK Corporate Governance Code.
